Toledo Farmers Market

June 14, 2013

The first foot-loose Friday was a success. There was a large crowd to enjoy the evening and to make their purchases from Kristi, Devon, Darrold and Ruth, Dale, Chuck and Ginger, Dawn, Cheryl, Frances, the Nieland girls, and Karen. Karen the candle lady is back at market with her candles. Some of the items available were radishes, green onions, fresh sage, cilantro, and dill, catnip, dried herbs, lettuce, rhubarb, asparagus, eggs, honey, breads, pies, rosettes, cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, perennials, tomato plants, vegetable seeds, jams, jellies, and turnips. Be sure to come out and see what everyone has on his or her tables, I am sure I left something out.

Turnips were the new veggie at market this beautiful Friday evening. Turnips are a root vegetable commonly associated with potatoes or beets. But the closest relative a turnip has is radishes and arugula. They are members of the mustard family. Some people don't like turnips, they say they are hot and woody. That would be an old turnip. Younger turnips add a great zip to dishes. Some consider turnips a healthier alternative to the potato. A turnip contains fewer calories than potatoes, but is still abundant in several minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. The edible green leaves of the turnip also provide more than the recommended daily amounts of certain vitamins and minerals. Turnips may be eaten the same way as a white potato; roasted, boiled, or even fried. And a turnip is delicious eaten raw. Some think a turnip is a rutabaga. A rutabaga is a cross between cabbage and turnip.

Article Photos

Dawn Troutner

Look for brightly colored turnips with creamy looking bulbs. Some varieties have a violet hued ring around the tops. Baby turnips may not have developed their violet tops and may look like somewhat large white spring radishes.

I look for turnips that have their greens attached. Not only does this tell me they are freshly harvested, the greens are also delicious sauted or steamed. Always look for a firm turnip without blemishes, they will feel heavy for their size.

If you purchase them with their greens attached, remove the greens when you get home and store the turnips loosely wrapped in a plastic bag in the crisper. Like any root crop they like cool, dark, dry environments.

Turnips are delicious roasted, mashed, baked, or added to soups or stew. Their hot flavor makes them particularly well suited to mixing and matching with other root vegetables. If you aren't sure about turnips add a turnip or two to your favorite mashed potato recipe.

Come on out to the Toledo Farmers' Market and purchase lettuce sell you some delicious turnips for your next meal.

If you missed Smokin G's last week, they will be back on June 14th with their brisket, pulled pork and other delicious sandwiches.